Upcoming Site Re-design: I need your thoughts on this.

[ClarkP]

Hello all!

The inevitable is happening:  We are being forced to migrate DK to an updated website platform.  There is not a firm date yet, but it sounds like we will have to be updated within the next 6-8 months

This upgrade is both good and bad.  I wanted to give you a heads up and get your opinions on a few things.

First the GOOD:

• DK will remain wild and free for everyone.  :-)
• All our content from the beginning of time will be available on the new site.
• The new site will have a more contemporary, clean look to all features
• The site will look pretty similar... same logo, colors, etc.
• Improved functionality on many features that we use daily:  forum, groups, blogs, photos, etc.
• The new site will be faster.  This current one is a slowpoke (84% of sites load faster).
• It will work much better for tablets and mobile devices.

Now the BAD:

• We think we might lose functionality that we like
  - points that determine Hopeless Doodle Addicts might not be possible (this is a BIG problem... and we are working on it.  We want this as much as anyone.)
  - music player will not be included (but embedded music will be available)
  - no native video upload:  Videos will all be embedded from YouTube / Vimeo / wherever.
• I'm sure there will be bugs and glitches when we "flip the switch" to start using the new design.
• There will be a learning curve as we all get used to the new layout and how it works.
• It will force us to invest substantial money in the design/upgrade

Here is an example of a different site that has just been upgraded to the new platform.  [Edited to add:] This example site looks completely different than ours will.  It has different navigation & features than ours will.  Only look at this site for it's better functionality across all devices, NOT for how it looks.  [end edit]:  http://lenscience.ac.nz  Try it out with different devices and screen sizes.  You can see how it is much cleaner and handles tablets / mobile devices so much better.

And that is the main reason for this upgrade.  Our current site is slow(ish), dated, and doesn't work very well on tablets / mobile devices.

Now where I need your help.  We need to know what features of DK you value to the most.  We want to know how you use DK and what features you can't live without.

Take this short survey for me if would be so kind:  DK Site Upgrade Survey

Comment below when you've taken the survey.  Comment below with the ONE thing you value most about the current DK site.

Thanks so much!
Clark "DK tech slave" Pearson

[Added]  PS.  I will be creating a "sandbox" version of the new site.  It's a separate site where we test the new design/features before we go live.  If any of you would like to be members of the sandbox site to give additional feedback, just let me know.  Thx!

[F, Calla & Luca]

It might be your ISP since I have no problem like that with my tablet. BUT the time to add replies after hitting the button is long with both my tablet and PC.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Ditto!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Completed.  The thing I value the most is the way a conversation can be carried on and followed (unlike on Facebook).  I think of it more as a knowledge place than a social place anymore because so many have gone to facebook for the social stuff.   When I think someone really needs guidance I send them here for the info.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Oh, I really agree. I hardly use Facebook because I never know to whom things are addressed and it all seems so random.

[Gail and Bailey]

Survey completed.    I am very sad because I hate "change" when it comes to computer things!  I totally understand that you must do what you must do,..... but please make it as friendly looking and easily accessible as it is now!  I would be lost without my numerous DK "fixes" throughout the day!!!

I agree with all the above comments!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Agree about change.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

I also agree about change and multiple DK fixes.  : )

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Survey completed! LOL...dang...just when I think I am finally getting the " lay of the land"! Nothing like keeping us on our goes! ;)
Hoping the new format will be more App,e friendly, in that, pictures can be embedded without having to host them somewhere else first.
In case, no one has mentioned it: THANKS again for all that you do!

[Stella]

Thanks for all the hard work you guys put into DK!! It truly is a wonderful place to lurk, observe, and comment!! I have learnt so much from the wonderful people here.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I'm old and set in my ways, I didn't like the new platform at all, it looks much less user friendly. I took and survey and I'd like to play in the sandbox.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I just completed the survey.  I value the main forum the most, and I use the search function often.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I took the survey and thank you for everything! I agree with what everyone has been saying about the blogs. I do hope we are still able to embed photos into discussions.
I would love to have the HDA points stay in place as it is a fun way to track the more "veteran" DK members. I am a relative newbie and it is always fun for me to look at others' profiles and appreciate how much they have contributed to the site.
I don't think the format of the example site is terrible, but it definitely has its differences that we will all have to work through.